The European Union in Prophecy by Ellen White

The European Union in Prophecy
Despite all opposition, the interest in the advent movement had continued to
increase. From scores and hundreds, the congregations had grown to as many
thousands. Large accessions had been made to the various churches, but after a time
the spirit of opposition was manifested even against these converts, and the churches
began to take disciplinary steps with those who had embraced Miller's views. This
action called forth a response from his pen, in an address to Christians of all
denominations, urging that if his doctrines were false, he should be shown his error
from the Scriptures.
"What have we believed," he said, "that we have not been commanded to believe
by the word of God, which you yourselves allow is the rule, and only rule, of our faith
and practice? What have we done that should call down such virulent denunciations
against us from pulpit and press, and give you just cause to exclude us [Adventists]
from your churches and fellowship?" "If we are wrong, pray show us wherein consists
our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we are in error; we have had ridicule
enough; that can never convince us that we are in the wrong; the word of God alone
can change our views. Our conclusions have been formed deliberately and prayerfully,
as we have seen the evidence in the Scriptures."-- Ibid., pages 250, 252.
From age to age the warnings which God has sent to the world by His servants
have been received with like incredulity and unbelief. When the iniquity of the
antediluvians moved Him to bring a flood of waters upon the earth, He first made
known to them His purpose, that they might have opportunity to turn from their evil
ways. For a hundred and twenty years was sounded in their ears the warning to
repent, lest the wrath of God be manifested in their destruction. But the message
seemed to them an idle tale, and they believed it not. Emboldened in their wickedness
they mocked the messenger of God, made light of his entreaties, and even accused
him of presumption. How dare one man stand up against all the great men of the
earth? If Noah's message were true, why did not all the world see it and believe it?
One man's assertion against the wisdom of thousands! They would not credit the
warning, nor would they seek shelter in the ark.
Scoffers pointed to the things of nature,--to the unvarying succession of the
seasons, to the blue skies that had never poured out rain, to the green fields refreshed
by the soft dews of night,--and they cried out: "Doth he not speak parables?" In
267